Objective To investigate the distribution characteristics of Oncomelania hupensis snails in Yunnan Province fol-lowing interruption of schistosomiasis transmission, so as to provide the evidence for assessing the risk of schistosomiasis transmission and scientifically formulating the schistosomiasis surveillance program. Methods According to the requirements of the National Schistosomiasis Surveillance Scheme (2020 Edition), O. hupensis snail surveillance data were collected from 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province from 2020 to 2024, including area of snail survey, area of snail habitats, area of re-emerging snail habitats, number of frames surveyed, number of frames with O. hupensis snails, number of O. hupensis snails captured, and number of living snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails were calculated. Changes in snail status over the 5-year period from 2020 to 2024 and the differences in snail distributions specified by epidemic intensity, environmental type, and vegetation type were analyzed. Results The areas of snail survey increased from 1 727.96 hm² in 2020 to 3 894.45 hm² in 2024 (peak) across 18 schistosomiasis-endemic counties (cities, districts) in Yunnan Province during the period from 2020 through 2024. The areas of snail habitats increased from 70.36 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2023 (172.04 hm²), followed by a reduction to 132.36 hm² in 2024, and the areas of re-emerging snail habitats increased from 42.71 hm² in 2020 to a peak in 2022 (78.43 hm²), followed by a reduction to 40.21 hm² in 2024. The occurrence of frames with snails and mean density of living snails increased from 1.24% (3 025/244 404) and (0.033 2 ± 0.038 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2020 to peaks at 2.03% (6 231/307 563) and (0.066 9 ± 0.068 4) snails/0.1 m² in 2023, followed by reductions to 1.04% (5 829/559 941) and (0.032 6 ± 0.057 7) snails/0.1 m² in 2024, respectively. There was a significant difference in the occurrence of frames with snails over the 5-year study period (χ² = 1 962.95, P < 0.05), and the occurrence of frames with snails reduced by 48.71% in 2024 relative to in 2023 (χ² = 1 411.05, P < 0.005); however, there was no significant difference in the mean density of living snails over the 5 years (H = 5.310, P > 0.05). There were significant differences in the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 481.27, P < 0.05) and mean density of living snails (H = 6.872, P < 0.05) in schistosomiasis-endemic areas with different epidemic intensities. The occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 25.32 and 38.70, both P values < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = 28.55 and 49.96, both P values < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted and eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas without snails, and the occurrence of frames with snails (χ² = 453.54, P < 0.017) and mean density of living snails (Z = −56.97, P < 0.017) were higher in schistosomiasis-eliminated areas with snails than in schistosomiasis transmission-interrupted areas with snails. O. hupensis snails were mainly distributed in paddy fields, dry farmlands and ditches; however, the occurrence of frames with snails (13.40%, 424/3 164) and mean density of living snails [(0.252 8 ± 0.158 7) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in ponds/weirs than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Rice, dry farmland crops and weeds were main vegetations in which O. hupensis snails were distributed, and the occurrence of frames with snails (2.29%, 7 111/310 140) and mean density of living snails [(0.072 3 ± 0.018 9) snails/0.1 m²] were higher in weeds than in other types of environments (both P values < 0.05). Conclusions O. hupensis snails have been effectively controlled in Yunnan Province following implementation of integrated schistosomiasis control measures; however, there are still risk factors for schistosomiasis transmission, including reduced attention to schistosomiasis control and snail re-emergence. Improved control efforts and surveillance system construction and timely identification of risk factors of snail status and timely management are recommended to ensure the achievement of the target of schistosomiasis elimination as scheduled.

Objective To explore the relationship between PANoptosis and hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI), and to screen the key genes of PANoptosis in HIRI. Methods PANoptosis-related differentially expressed genes (PDG) were obtained through the Gene Expression Omnibus database and GeneCards database. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were used to explore the biological pathways related to PDG. A protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Key genes were selected, and their diagnostic value was assessed and validated in the HIRI mice. Immune cell infiltration analysis was performed based on the cell-type identification by estimating relative subsets of RNA transcripts. Results A total of 16 PDG were identified. GO analysis showed that PDG were closely related to cellular metabolism. KEGG analysis indicated that PDG were mainly enriched in cellular death pathways such as apoptosis and immune-related signaling pathways such as the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway. GSEA results showed that key genes were mainly enriched in immune-related signaling pathways such as the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Two key genes, DFFB and TNFSF10, were identified with high accuracy in diagnosing HIRI, with areas under the curve of 0.964 and 1.000, respectively. Immune infiltration analysis showed that the control group had more infiltration of resting natural killer cells, M2 macrophages, etc., while the HIRI group had more infiltration of M0 macrophages, neutrophils, and naive B cells. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction results showed that compared with the Sham group, the relative expression of DFFB messenger RNA in liver tissue of HIRI group mice increased, and the relative expression of TNFSF10 messenger RNA decreased. Cibersort analysis showed that the infiltration abundance of naive B cells was positively correlated with DFFB expression (r=0.70, P=0.035), and the infiltration abundance of M2 macrophages was positively correlated with TNFSF10 expression (r=0.68, P=0.045). Conclusions PANoptosis-related genes DFFB and TNFSF10 may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for HIRI.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of intense pulsed light(IPL)therapy in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome-related dry eye(SS-DE).METHODS:In this prospective randomized trial, 82 cases(82 eyes)diagnosed with moderate-to-severe SS-DE at our hospital from January 2023 to December 2023 were selected. If both eyes meet the criteria, one eye will be randomly selected for inclusion, and if one eye meets the inclusion criteria, the eye will be selected for enrollment. They were randomly assigned to either an experiment group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops plus IPL therapy, or a control group receiving dextran hydroxypropyl methylcellulose eye drops and 0.05% cyclosporine A eye drops. Ocular surface disease index(OSDI)score, tear meniscus height(TMH), noninvasive tear breakup time(NITBUT), meibomian gland loss score, Schirmer I test(SⅠt), corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)score, conjunctival lissamine green staining(CLGS)score, lipid layer thickness(LLT), blink frequency, corneal Langerhans cell density(CLCD)and complications of both groups were assessed at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wk after treatment.RESULTS:There were 6 cases lost to follow-up in the experiment group, with a missing rate of 14.6%, and 1 case was lost to follow-up in the control group, with a missing rate of 2.4%, and valid data were eventually obtained from 35 cases(35 eyes)in the experiment group and 40 cases(40 eyes)in the control group. Baseline parameters did not differ significantly between the two groups of patients(all P>0.05). At 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, both groups showed significant reductions in OSDI scores, CFS scores, CLGS score, blink frequency, and CLCD, while the reductions were significantly greater in the experiment group compared to the control group(all P<0.05). The experiment group also demonstrated significant increases in TMH, SⅠt, and NITBUT at 4, 8 and 12 wk after treatment, which were significantly greater than those observed in the control group(all P<0.05). No significant intergroup differences were observed in LLT, meibomian gland loss score in the experiment group at any time point(all P>0.05). Furthermore, no severe ocular or cutaneous complications were associated with IPL treatment.CONCLUSION:IPL significantly improves ocular signs and symptoms, enhances aqueous tear secretion, and reduces ocular surface inflammation in patients with SS-DE, with no significant adverse reactions observed.

To investigate the feasibility and advantages of "Axis Coordinate Localization Method" combined with total endoscopic technique for parotid surgery. A total of 31 patients with parotid gland tumors who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2022 to August 2024 were included in this study. The cohort comprised 11 males and 20 females, with age of (38.9±13.9) years and a maximum tumor diameter of (19.34±6.89) mm. Among these cases, 93.5% (29/31) involved the superficial lobe and 6.5%(2/31) the deep lobe of the parotid gland. The "axial" localization method was utilized to plan the surgical approach: establishing a coordinate system with the earlobe as the origin, the surface projection of the parotid duct as the x-axis, and a perpendicular line through the origin as the y-axis. The incision type-pre-tragal, retroauricular groove, or postauricular hairline-was selected according to the position of the tumor′s surface projection center within this coordinate system. All operations were performed using a complete endoscopic technique for tumor and glandular tissue resection. Postoperative facial nerve function was assessed with the House-Brackmann grading scale, while patient incision satisfaction, impact on work and daily life, and facial symmetry were quantitatively evaluated using a Numerical Rating Scale (10-point system).　All 31 patients successfully underwent the procedure. Short-term postoperative complications included temporary facial paralysis in 1 case (3.2%), periauricular numbness in 1 case (3.2%), surgical site effusion in 1 case (3.2%), and subcutaneous hematoma in 1 case (3.2%). All complications resolved after appropriate management. During follow-up, there were no instances of sialocele, Frey syndrome, incision infection, or tumor recurrence. Patient ratings were as follows: incision satisfaction (9.42±0.78), impact of surgery on daily life (1.32±0.60), and facial symmetry (9.29±0.78). The one case of temporary facial paralysis recovered 3 months after surgery. The combination of the "Axial" localization method and fully endoscopic technique demonstrates clear clinical feasibility in parotid tumor resection. This approach enables rapid and personalized incision selection based on tumor location, while the endoscopic minimally invasive technique reduces tissue trauma, improves cosmetic outcomes, and enhances surgical safety. It provides a new minimally invasive treatment pathway for patients with benign parotid tumors.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

Objective Investigation into the impact of modified Chevron osteotomy on asymptomatic flatfoot following hallux valgus correction.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 118 patients(120 feet)who underwent modified Chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus between January 2018 and December 2022.Based on the Meary angle,the patients were categorized into two groups:an asymptomatic flatfoot group(49 cases,50 feet)and a non-flatfoot group(69 cases,70 feet).Preoperative general data and radiographic parameters were compared between the two groups at baseline and during the last follow-up.These parameters included the talona-vicular coverage angle(TNCA),talus-second metatarsal angle(T2MT)on weight-bearing anteroposterior foot radiographs,and the Meary angle on lateral radiographs.Results There were no significant differences in preop-erative general data between the two groups(P>0.05).In the asymptomatic flatfoot group,the Meary angle dem-onstrated a improvement(P<0.001)when comparing radiographic parameters intra-group between preoperation and the last follow-up.In the non-flatfoot group,TNCA and T2MT increased(P<0.05).Inter-group comparisons revealed that preoperatively,TNCA,T2MT,and the Meary angle were significantly worse in the asymptomatic flatfoot group compared to the non-flatfoot group(P<0.05).At the last follow-up,there were no significant differ-ences in TNCA and T2MT between the two groups(P>0.05);however,the Meary angle remained significantly lower in the asymptomatic flatfoot group than in the non-flatfoot group(P<0.05).Conclusions The modified Chevron osteotomy significantly enhances the medial longitudinal arch in patients with hallux valgus and asymptom-atic flatfoot,although its effect on correcting abduction is relatively limited.In patients with hallux valgus but without flatfoot,this procedure does not substantially alter the medial longitudinal arch;however,it can induce abduction,which aids in the correction of hallux valgus.This study confirms that the modified Chevron osteotomy effectively improves foot arch structure in asymptomatic flatfoot cases while addressing hallux valgus,without worsening the flatfoot condition.

Emotions are an integral part of animal welfare.Facial expressions are increasingly used as a non-invasive method for assessing the emotional state of animals.Dogs(Canis familiaris)are closely related to humans,and facial expressions are crucial for interspecies communication and emotional expression.This paper reviews the neurobiological mechanisms of facial expressions and the anatomical structure of the facial muscles and their evolution in dogs,the analogy between dog and human facial expressions,and the expression of various parts of the dog's face under different emotions.These studies demonstrate that dog's facial expressions can be used as a potential indicator of animal welfare,and that dogs can be used as a model animal for studying interspecies facial emotional communication.The use of dog's facial expressions to assess emotions will aid multidisciplinary research,including in the fields of neuroscience,psychopharmacology,animal behavior,and animal welfare.

Objective To identify key patterns of programmed cell death(PCD)and core genes during ischemia-reperfusion injury(IRI)in kidney transplantation.Methods Kidney transplant datasets were obtained from gene expression database,and PCD-related differentially expressed genes were screened.The non-negative matrix factorization algorithm was used to classify patients and analyze subtype-specific biological functions and key PCD patterns.Machine learning models combined with univariate Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were employed to identify core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation and explore their correlation with key PCD patterns.A rat kidney transplant model was used to assess IRI severity through hematoxylin-eosin staining,serum creatinine(Scr),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),and Western blotting for key gene protein expression.Results Fourteen PCD-related genes were identified.Patients were classified into metabolic(subtype 1)and inflammatory(subtype 2)subtypes.Subtype 2 activated four key PCD patterns:pyroptosis,necroptosis,apoptosis and immunogenic cell death.The optimal model(XGBoost-CV:10 fold+Lasso-CV:10 fold)and survival analysis identified MCL1,BAG3,and RHOB as core PCD genes during IRI in kidney transplantation,which were broadly correlated with key PCD patterns.Experimental results showed that compared to the sham group,rats in the model group had more severe tubular injury,higher Scr and BUN levels,and increased BAG3,RHOB and MCL1 protein expression(all P<0.001).Conclusions These four PCD patterns are crucial in the pathogenesis of IRI in kidney transplantation.MCL1,BAG3 and RHOB may serve as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for IRI in kidney transplantation.

To investigate the role of the DPP4-nestin axis in liver fibrosis induced by alveolar cyst infection,a murine model was established using C57BL/6 mice via hepatic portal vein injection.Liver histopathological changes were assessed using HE staining,while immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate the expression levels of nestin and DPP4 in infected mouse livers.In vitro,J S1 cell line was stimulated with recombinant DPP4 protein to es-tablish a cellular model,and qPCR,Western blot,and shRNA lentivirus interference techniques were utilized to examine the involvement of the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation.The findings demonstrated that compared to the Sham group,liver tissue structure disruption and collagen deposition were evident along with significantly increased expressions of nestin and DPP4(P＜0.050 0),which colocalized with nesin and α-SMA.Furthermore,stimulation with recombi-nant DPP4 protein significantly enhanced JS1 cell activation(P＜0.050 0)as well as upregulated nestin expression(P＜0.050 0)when compared to control group cells.Notably,shRNA lentivirus-mediated inhibition of nestin expression effectively suppressed the activating effects exerted by re-combinant DPP4 protein on JS1 cells(P＜0.050 0).Collectively,these results highlight the crucial regulatory role played by the DPP4-nestin axis in hepatic stellate cell activation triggered by alveo-lar infection;thus,targeting this axis may represent a novel therapeutic strategy for treating alveo-lar infection-induced liver fibrosis.

Objective Investigation into the impact of modified Chevron osteotomy on asymptomatic flatfoot following hallux valgus correction.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 118 patients(120 feet)who underwent modified Chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus between January 2018 and December 2022.Based on the Meary angle,the patients were categorized into two groups:an asymptomatic flatfoot group(49 cases,50 feet)and a non-flatfoot group(69 cases,70 feet).Preoperative general data and radiographic parameters were compared between the two groups at baseline and during the last follow-up.These parameters included the talona-vicular coverage angle(TNCA),talus-second metatarsal angle(T2MT)on weight-bearing anteroposterior foot radiographs,and the Meary angle on lateral radiographs.Results There were no significant differences in preop-erative general data between the two groups(P>0.05).In the asymptomatic flatfoot group,the Meary angle dem-onstrated a improvement(P<0.001)when comparing radiographic parameters intra-group between preoperation and the last follow-up.In the non-flatfoot group,TNCA and T2MT increased(P<0.05).Inter-group comparisons revealed that preoperatively,TNCA,T2MT,and the Meary angle were significantly worse in the asymptomatic flatfoot group compared to the non-flatfoot group(P<0.05).At the last follow-up,there were no significant differ-ences in TNCA and T2MT between the two groups(P>0.05);however,the Meary angle remained significantly lower in the asymptomatic flatfoot group than in the non-flatfoot group(P<0.05).Conclusions The modified Chevron osteotomy significantly enhances the medial longitudinal arch in patients with hallux valgus and asymptom-atic flatfoot,although its effect on correcting abduction is relatively limited.In patients with hallux valgus but without flatfoot,this procedure does not substantially alter the medial longitudinal arch;however,it can induce abduction,which aids in the correction of hallux valgus.This study confirms that the modified Chevron osteotomy effectively improves foot arch structure in asymptomatic flatfoot cases while addressing hallux valgus,without worsening the flatfoot condition.